Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer says he is listening closely to community feedback following last week’s announcement that the business case for the Oxley Highway upgrade between Wrights Road and Lake Road has now been completed.
Mr Dwyer said many residents have since contacted him asking what the announcement actually means, with strong community interest in both immediate congestion relief and long term infrastructure planning.
“I’ve heard very clearly from the community that people want more information about what happens next,” Mr Dwyer said.
“A lot of residents are understandably frustrated with the daily congestion around the hospital precinct and want to know how this announcement will translate into real outcomes.”
Mr Dwyer said the completion of the business case is an important milestone because it moves the project from identifying the problem into detailed planning for future upgrades.
“In simple terms, the business case examines the traffic issues, potential solutions, projected costs and preferred options for the Wrights Road and Lake Road intersections,” he said.
“It is a critical step that helps pave the way toward future funding and construction.”
“A business case does not mean construction starts tomorrow, but it is the formal planning stage governments require before major road upgrades can receive funding approval.”
“Importantly, it identifies the preferred upgrade options and provides the evidence needed to move the project closer to delivery.”
Mr Dwyer said while the business case itself has not been released publicly due to commercial-in-confidence requirements associated with future tendering and procurement processes, he has continued advocating strongly for local transparency and collaboration.
“I have pushed for Transport for NSW to work closely with Port Macquarie Hastings Council and local stakeholders so the community remains part of the conversation as planning progresses,” he said.
The Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison acknowledged by advocacy in Parliament earlier this month when she told the Chamber, “The member for Port Macquarie is in my office every single day asking for road infrastructure for his community.”
Mr Dwyer said he shares the community’s concerns about increasing traffic pressures, particularly with the $265 million redevelopment of Port Macquarie Base Hospital progressing.
“That’s why I’ve continued pushing for Transport for NSW, Health Infrastructure and Council to work collaboratively on both short term traffic improvements and long term solutions,” he said.
Mr Dwyer said community feedback on the announcement had highlighted both the urgency of the issue and the strong public desire to see progress continue.
“People have been sharing their experiences of sitting in traffic for extended periods just trying to leave the hospital precinct, while others have raised concerns around road safety, emergency access and the need for both immediate improvements and long term planning,” he said.
“At the same time, there has also been very strong positive feedback from residents who are pleased to finally see movement on an issue the community has been raising for years.”
Mr Dwyer thanked Business Port Macquarie for helping organise the petition campaign, along with every resident who signed, shared feedback and contributed ideas throughout the process.
“Community pressure works. This is not the finish line, but it is a very important step forward, and I will continue advocating strongly to keep this project moving,” Mr Dwyer said.
